A scam text - block or string along?!

[ZiaMcnab]

Hello all,

I've just had a text from an unknown number saying

"Hi mum, just till ive fixed my phone I will use this number, do save it for now x" (all typos are from the original)

Now, unless my cat has developed the ability to text (she is very clever, so I'm not 100% ruling it out yet 😂) this is 100% defintiely the start of a scam, as I don't have any children. It's the first such blatant one I've received and I'm wondering, shall I just block and ignore (sensible, but boring) or acknowledge without correcting and see if I can string them along for a while (fun, but possibly a bit of a time drain and probably pointless, ultimately).

So, what do you think, wise Mumsnetters, block or engage?!

Forward to 7726, then block.

Why would you engage? For your own entertainment? That's pretty sad.

I would advise against engaging with them as that would confirm that your number is active and you'll subsequently be bombarded by more scammers. Although I must admit I've always been tempted to play along with them and waste their time as many YouTube scambaiters do.

As it's your main phone number just report it and block.

Don't play along as they will pass your number in and you will be inundated.

Thanks all, you're right, it would be silly to engage - @JohnnyYenSetHimselfOnFireAgain you've hit in on the head, I'm a bit obsessed with watching youtube scambaiters, and it always looks rather satisfying to waste the scumbags' time like that. Think I got a bit carried away because of that and because it's my first ever one!

Have blocked and reported, thanks for setting me straight - I need to get rid of the teenager that lives in my soul!

Some people on Mumsnet find it HILARIOUS to string scammers along.

I just think it makes you look gullible (whether you are or not) and confirms your number is active, meaning they will continue to attempt to scam you further down the line.

I personally don't think the scammers ever feel like their time has been wasted to the point of giving up, they probably account for time wasted. "It stops them scamming soemone else" is a myth, because they're just smashing out replies to x1000 numbers at once.

It can get funny results, but honestly I wouldn't bother. As PPs said, it confirms that your number is active and it'll get passed on to more scammers until they finally find one that works on you (you've also shown them that this one doesn't, which is useful information for them).

Haha, I'm currently watching the latest video from Scammer Revolts as I type! 😁

Totally engage, I did and it was hysterical. Told him long winded stories about a friend who had a terrible accident with a coat hanger and a carrot while hanging curtains naked. Kept it going for ages. Also not true you’ll get bombarded with more. I’ve not had a single one since much to my chagrin.

Never engage. It just confirms your number is active. Such a waste of your time too.Block.

I forgot to mention, OP - please don't ever get rid of your inner teenager, life's far too short!